Threat to Pewsey train services

Rail services provide a vital lifeline to Pewsey and its surrounding communities. The government has invited bids to run the next Great Western Region franchise. The current terms of the franchise invitation to tender (ITT) do not require that the winning bidder provide the current level of service between Pewsey and London Paddington. This means, at best, an uncertain future for 'through' trains from Pewsey to Paddington. Any 'downgrading' of services would almost certainly have a profound negative affect on the local economy far beyond the obvious inconvenience to commuters. We must act now to ensure we are part of the process and protect our vital train services.

We the undersigned are deeply concerned that the government’s invitation to tender for the renewed Great Western Franchise from July 2013 does not, as a requirement, include provision of regular, direct train services from Pewsey to London Paddington. This would have a major negative impact on our local economy and community. We call on the government to make it a requirement that the next franchisee provide, as a minimum, the current level of service from Pewsey to London.